Working in the UK after study

If you're an international student and you would like to work in the UK after graduating then please be aware of the immigration rules that apply to you.

There are several different visa categories available to graduating students, and each has their own eligibility requirements and application routes.

Tier 4 - Doctorate Extension Scheme

If you're studying a PhD, the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) allows you to spend one year in the UK after you've completed your studies. You can be employed or self-employed. You have to apply under Tier 4 - DES before you hand in the final hard bound version of your thesis.

You can only apply under Tier 4 - DES before your PhD is awarded. You cannot apply after your award date.

You can apply for the scheme up to 60 days before your expected completion date. This date is agreed between you and the University after your viva, and is the estimated date that your name will appear on a pass list.

You can't apply under Tier 4 - DES after your expected completion date or after you have handed in the final hard bound version of your thesis.

Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur

The University of Leeds can sponsor up to 20 students under the Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur scheme.

If you would like to establish your own business in the UK, you should book an appointment to discuss this with Brian Baillie in the SPARK team at the Careers Centre.

The Careers Centre can assist you to develop your business idea and if your idea is accepted, the University of Leeds will issue an endorsement letter to enable you make a visa application under Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur scheme.

If you are applying the UK, you need to hold £945 for 90 consecutive days in your bank account statement, with the statement being no more than 31 days old at the time of your visa application. The cost of this application is £493.

For further information about this scheme please see the Gov.uk website.

Tier 2

If you're an international student who has graduated with a degree from a UK university, you're entitled to apply in the Tier 2 (skilled worker) category of the Points Based System.

The International Student Office can check Tier 2 applications forms and documents for free, but can't send the application for you.

Key points:

You must have completed your course of study and have evidence of this from the University.

You must have an offer of employment from an employer who is registered as a Tier 2 sponsor.

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from that employer.

Minimum salary of £20,800 or industry equivalent if higher as outlined in the Immigration Rules Appendix J: codes of practice for skilled work. A graduate switching between a Tier 4 to Tier 2 visa can meet the new entrant* salary rate. The minimum salary varies depending on the occupation and in many cases is more than £20,800

The application fee for a 3 year Tier 2 application is £704, the cost for a Tier 2 visa over 3 years is £1,408.

*New Entrants are defined as new applicants to the Tier 2 (General) visa category who are under 26 years of age, are switching from a Tier 4 visa, or have been hired through a milkround recruitment process.

Tier 5

There are several opportunities to apply to work in the UK under a Tier 5 category of the Points Based System. A full list of the categories can be viewed on the Gov.uk website.